As we start back to school here in North Carolina, I’m reminded of my days in the classroom and of the victories and struggles that lie ahead. As many of you know, my wife is also a teacher and Mary is a former teacher and likewise married to a teacher. We also have our own children, and we really do see it from both sides! It’s been an awesome summer – wonderful vacations with family for all of us, but it’s nice to get back into the routine and be at home!

While surfing some of the many wonderful “Back to School” posts this morning after dropping our own child off for his first day of school, I came across the prayer suggestions for teachers. Especially in North Carolina and especially in this day and age, this list seems more true than ever:

How to pray for the new teacher in your child’s life

1. Pray for the teacher as she looks at her summer to do list; she might not’ve had a vacation or success in taking care of needs.
2. Pray for the teacher as she needs to be refreshed and healthy; her summer may’ve included loss, grief, disappointment, or trial.
3. Pray for the teacher as she has concerns about how her relationships will change with the school year starting: daycare, marriage, family, needy children.
4. Pray for the teacher as she gets her classroom ready; she may have to move rooms, may not have supplies yet, or might have issues to address.
5. Pray for the teacher as she attends staff development and meetings; she may have requirements to meet or assignments to finish.
6. Pray for the teacher as she re-connects with fellow staff & faculty; some working relationships might be challenging.
7. Pray for the teacher as she sorts through curriculum; a change in grade level, publisher, or requirements can be difficult.
8. Pray for the teacher as she begins to do her planning; teachers have so much to pack in, and the unexpected will enter in.
9. Pray for the teacher as she receives information about her students; she needs openness, insight, wisdom, and compassion.
10. Pray for the teacher as she meets a whole new group of parents; parent relationships are crucial to the success of students & teachers.

Every teacher is a real person who goes to the grocery store, does laundry, has dinner with friends, cries, hurts, and worries. She needs the Kleenex and the hand sanitizer, but most of all, she needs your prayers.

Have a great school year!

(Shout out to Kim King @ the Kernersville Lawyer and http://www.themominitiative.com/2013/07/26/real-moms-praying-for-real-teachers/ for posting variations of this I’ve been able to find online)